The Crooked Hem

Like many, I get most of my sewing news and inspiration from Instagram. But lately I’ve been craving a deeper level of sewing content, one that sustains my attention for more than a few seconds and gives me a longer look at another maker’s process and projects. Sewing blogs have traditionally filled this gap, but sewing newsletters are another popular format that I’ve been enjoying recently. So I thought I’d share some favorite newsletters here.

My Favorite Sewing Newsletters

Paperbag Waist is a newsletter run by Erin Orr, who is a costume designer in Portland, OR. Paperbag Waist highlights fashion deep dives, sewing pattern inspiration, and pattern designer interviews. I’ve enjoyed Erin’s Instagram account for ages, so I’m excited to see the newsletter get off the ground. Her posts on fall coat trends have already inspired a couple of my fall sewing goals (hello, denim trench coat).

The Sewing Machine Newsletter is written by a bona fide sewing machine technician, Cale Shoenberg, and it contains a wealth of information about the nuts and bolts of sewing machines. I learn something new about my sewing machine with every post.

Studio Memoir by Grace Rother is a beautifully written collection of notes and photos from a textile artist. Posts explore the art of quilting, sustainable making, queerness, nature, and life in the midwest. I’m deeply inspired by Grace’s work and their approach to making.

The Bulletin Board is a newsletter from Daughter Judy Patterns, and it will surprise no one that I’m a big fan. This newsletter is a source for pattern announcements, Q&As, and sewing tips from Chelsea. Much of the content is free, but I pay for a subscription that gives me access to free patterns, sewalong videos, live sessions with Chelsea, and a community chat. I’m really enjoying the community that that’s growing here.

The Modern Sewing Co. has a weekly newsletter where designer Hetty shares what’s on her sewing table. I’ve enjoyed reading about Hetty’s thoughts on sewing a capsule wardrobe, as well as her in-depth posts on individual makes. You can access all the newsletters here or sign up to get them in your inbox.

Community Recommendations

I put up a question sticker on Instagram asking for community recommendations for other sewing resources that you enjoy for long reads. There are quite a few new-to-me recommendations here with a wide range of topics from zero waste sewing to couture deep dives, so thank you!

Here are your favorites:

• Ben Millett is a quilter, knitter, photographer, and research scientist. Sign up for Ben’s newsletter here.
• Monday Monday, a newsletter by Marlee Grace on quilting and the creative process.
• Wednesday Look by Allegra of Raff Clothing Co. is a newsletter about how to dress your values, shut out conventional style wisdom, and ditch fast fashion.
• All Well Workshop has a newsletter with updates on pattern releases, freebies, and more.
• A Quilter’s Table, a blog on quilting by Debbie Jeske
• Making and Candor, a blog on sewing, tailoring, and life in Japan from Emilia.
• The Craft of Clothes, a blog on zero waste sewing and more from Liz Haywood.
• Couture Pattern Museum, a blog and database with a wealth of knowledge on couture patterns and sewing (paid access only).
• Muna & Broad patreon, a community for plus-size sewists led by Leila and Jess. Most content is paid access: join for sewing circles, weekly chats, pattern bonuses and more.

If you have a favorite newsletter for sewing and making that’s not on this list, let me know in the comments!